The London based architects were appointed by TIAA Henderson Real Estate to create a ‘landmark’ build for the mall revamp last month.

Inspired by Hiroshi Nakamura’s recently completed chapel in Hiroshima, Japan (below) and Ron Halad’s design museum in Holon, Israel, the scheme is conceived as a brass/bronze coloured stainless steel ribbon, mirrored on the interior face and presenting a clear glazed façade to St James Square, which will be animated by lobby and café areas.

The 12-storey, 204-room hotel will offer visitors views from within – while from an aerial vantage point it will look remarkably like a cupcake.

Heinz Richardson, director of architects Jestico + Whiles previously said of the project: “The contemporary design will be sympathetic to the surrounding World Heritage Site and its history, providing a first-class destination at the heart of the city’s new retail quarter.”